It said Trump and some in his inner circle interpreted Mueller’s words as assurance that his risk of criminal jeopardy was low, while other advisers cautioned that Mueller was baiting Trump into an interview that could put him in greater legal danger.

Mueller is also investigating potential collusion between Trump’s presidential campaign and Russia as well as whether Trump has committed obstruction of justice by trying to thwart the Russia probe.

Trump has denied any collusion with Russia and has called the Mueller investigation a witch hunt.

The president’s outside attorney, Jay Sekulow, told NBC News: “We do not discuss real or alleged conversations between our legal team and the Office of Special Counsel.” And Trump lawyer Ty Cobb declined to comment on the report.